Male Pectoral Augmentation

What is Pectoral Augmentation?

In today’s world, the trend is towards more body awareness. Fitness and looking good are now among the top priorities of many individuals. Men are as conscious of their looks as women and are now resorting to have any imperfections improved upon surgically, than ever before.

An increasing number of men now wish to have better definition of chest muscles. This is especially true in men who are body builders or in other professions where their looks are primary to their line of work. Surgical intervention is now possible to achieve greater chest volume and aesthetic contour by means of pectoral implants. This is especially useful for those with congenital defects, very little muscle and in the case of individuals whose chests do not respond to exercise. Patients with chest wall deformities (when the muscle has not developed or the skeleton is asymmetrical) can often obtain better chest wall proportions through the use of implants.

Pectoral augmentation is the procedure of enhancing the male pectoral area, usually by means of implants. The ideal, is to approximate the look of well developed pectoral muscle.

Implants

Pectoral implants are pliable but much firmer than implants used for female breast augmentation. When positioned correctly, they can forge the feel and appearance of well – developed pectoral muscles.

The implants come in variety of shapes and sizes. The choice of implants is based on patient preference and pre-existing conditions.

Contraindications

Surgery

Anaesthetic and hospital stay

The surgery is usually performed under a combination of local anaesthetic and sedation, although in some cases combination of local and general anaesthetic is recommended. The surgery is performed as a day case, but in some cases one night’s stay may be advised.

Incision site and scarring

There are 3 options for the site of incision. They are, at the arm pit, at the areola (the pigmented skin surrounding the nipple) or less conspicuously placed in the breast crease. The site of incision depends on several factors. The scars usually become less noticeable with time, but in some cases can become wide and raised. In this case they will need to be treated.

Surgical procedure

The surgery usually takes approximately 1 hour. Following the incision, a pocket is created, under the major pectoral (chest) muscle or just under the fascia covering this muscle. An implant sculpted to the desired shape and size to achieve the desired result, is inserted into the cavity. The implant is secured in place using small self-dissolving sutures, after which the incision is closed. The wound is then covered with dressings.

Recovery & Combination Procedures

Post-Operative Care

Moderate discomfort and pain is expected following surgery. Bruising and swelling is quite normal. Swelling is reduced by wearing a pressure garment following surgery and continuing for up to 4 weeks after. You are encouraged to spend some time out of bed on the day of surgery itself. Pain killers and antibiotics are prescribed for a week.

Recovery

Avoid lifting your arms for the first few days following surgery. You are advised to elevate your chest with pillows when in a reclining position, either awake or sleeping. If your work is sedentary you may be able to return to work in 10 days. If your work is strenuous, then it may take up to 3 weeks to return. You can return to most normal activities in 6 weeks and strenuous exercise in 2 months.